Lifetime Announces Premiere Date for Jodi Arias Movie — Even as the Convicted Murderer Is Having Her Fate Decided in Court

While the penalty phase of her murder trial was playing out today elsewhere on cable, Lifetime unveiled plans for its movie about convicted murderer Jodi Arias, USA Today reports.

The network announced that “Jodi Arias: Dirty Little Secret” will premiere June 22 at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

“Tania Raymonde (‘Lost’) plays Arias, 32, who was recently found guilty of the 2008 killing of her former lover, Travis Alexander (Jesse Lee Soffer, ‘The Mob Doctor’), after a day of sex. Alexander suffered a slashed throat, numerous stab wounds and a bullet in the head in the attack,” the story reports. “Arias could face the death penalty in the sensational Arizona case.”

“Ugly Betty’s” Tony Plana will play prosecutor Juan Martinez, with David Zayas of “Dexter” appearing as detective Esteban Flores.

“The film finished production this week but still has time to address the outcome of the penalty phase, depending on how long that takes,” the report notes. “Lifetime also plans to broadcast an hour-long documentary, ‘Jodi Arias: Beyond the Headlines,’ on Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT. It explores their relationship and Alexander’s murder.”

While news broke of Lifetime’s plans, cable news channel HLN today was providing full coverage of the Arias trial, in which it was being decided whether Arias will be sentenced to death.